《我的叔叔于勒》，來自法國短篇小說巨匠莫泊桑。他擅長從日常瑣碎的生活中提取片段，配合他細致的刻畫和樸實的筆觸，從而諷刺和抨擊了社會現象，引人深思。《我的叔叔于勒》便是莫泊桑先生的代表作之一，通過從“我”的角度出發，在緩緩的故事講述中，揭露人與人之間的變態關系。
承蒙大家的喜歡，今天繼續打卡，閱讀《我的叔叔于勒》part2。 ?part1可以參考昨天的打卡：英文原著小說閱讀-《我的叔叔于勒》打卡 DAY 1
?Jules, my father's brother, was the only hope of the family, after being its only fear. I had heard about him since childhood, and it seemed to me that I should recognize him immediately, knowing as much about him as I did. I knew every detail of his life up to the day of his?departure?for America, although this period of his life was spoken of only in?hushed?tones.
"It seems that he had led a bad life, that is to say, he had squandered a little money, which action, in a poor family, is one of the greatest crimes. With rich people a man who amuses himself only sows his wild oats. He is what is generally called a sport. But among needy families a boy who forces his parents to break into the capital becomes a good- for-nothing, a rascal, a scamp. And this distinction is just, although the action be the same, for consequences alone determine the seriousness of the act.
"Well, Uncle Jules had visibly diminished the inheritance on which my father had counted, after he had swallowed his own to the last penny. Then, according to the custom of the times, he had been shipped off to America on a freighter going from Havre to New York.
"Once there, my uncle began to sell something or other, and he soon wrote that he was making a little money and that he soon hoped to be able to indemnify my father for the harm he had done him. This letter caused a profound emotion in the family. Jules, who up to that time had not been worth his salt, suddenly became a good man, a kind-hearted fellow, true and honest like all the Davranches.
"One of the captains told us that he had rented a large shop and was doing an important business.
"Two years later a second letter came, saying: 'My dear Philippe, I am writing to tell you not to worry about my health, which is excellent. Business is good. I leave to-morrow for a long trip to South America. I may be away for several years without sending you any news. If I shouldn't write, don't worry. When my fortune is made I shall return to Havre. I hope that it will not be too long and that we shall all live happily together . . . .'
"This letter became the gospel of the family. It was read on the slightest provocation, and it was shown to everybody.
"For ten years nothing was heard from Uncle Jules; but as time went on my father's hope grew, and my mother, also, often said:
"'When that good Jules is here, our position will be different. There is one who knew how to get along!'
"And every Sunday, while watching the big steamers approaching from the horizon, pouring out a stream of smoke, my father would repeat his eternal question:
"'What a surprise it would be if Jules were on that one! Eh?'
"We almost expected to see him waving his handkerchief and crying:
"'Hey! Philippe!'
